Energy Digest

The article discusses the evolving landscape of energy generation permitting in the Mid-Atlantic region, driven by technological advancements and outdated regulations. States are implementing reforms to address reliability concerns, transmission constraints, and local government obstruction of energy projects. These changes aim to streamline the permitting process, allocate generation development authority to public utilities, and promote the adoption of emerging technologies.

The article highlights Jackery's innovative approach to the solar and energy storage market, having started as a portable battery power company 14 years ago. They have evolved their products to integrate solar panels and scalable home batteries, offering a unique blend of creativity and design. This shift positions Jackery as a competitor in the growing energy storage space.

The article discusses the underappreciated contribution of rooftop solar power in the US, citing a total of 58.1 gigawatts' worth of installed capacity as of last October, according to the US Energy Information Agency.

The Trump administration is proposing a plan to require data center developers in PJM Interconnection to pay directly for new power plants, aiming to curb rising energy costs. This approach has significant flaws, which are not fully explained in the article snippet provided. The proposal seems to target energy cost burden on data centers.

SoftBank Group is testing a new AI-controlled cellular base station that harnesses solar and wind energy to reduce its carbon footprint. The system uses artificial intelligence to dynamically manage the "sleep" mode of the base station, reducing power consumption during periods of low communication traffic while maintaining service quality. The compact design makes it suitable for deployment in remote areas.

Eskom, South Africa's energy utility, has launched a tender for the development of a 17 MW solar plant at its Duvha Power Station. The project aims to alleviate system constraints and decarbonize operations at the facility, which is one of the country's largest fossil fuel plants. Eskom is seeking applicants to provide design, engineering, procurement, construction, and operation services for the project.

The article emphasizes the importance of diverse and inclusive teams in the renewable energy sector, citing how it drives innovation, resilience, and long-term success through collaboration, empathy, and clear communication. A veteran leader in the field shares her personal experiences with subtle biases and challenges faced by women in solar energy, highlighting the need for inclusive environments to thrive. By valuing diverse perspectives, organizations can adapt more effectively to changes and achieve stronger stakeholder relationships.

The US electric power sector is expected to experience significant growth in electricity generation over the next two years, with total generation reaching 4,423 BkWh by 2027. Solar power generation is expected to play a major role in this growth, with its share of generation rising from 18% in 2025 to 21% in 2027. The overall share of dispatchable sources like natural gas, coal, and nuclear is also expected to decline.

The Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC) has implemented a groundbreaking plan to produce green hydrogen through electrolysing sunlight and reclaimed mine water in Questa, New Mexico. The 32 MW polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzer produces storable green hydrogen that can be converted back into electricity using a 7.5 MW fuel cell, providing up to 41 hours of power to three counties and two pueblos. This innovative system is made possible by a $231 million USDA grant and environmental reviews.

The Trump administration is engaged in a significant attack on renewable energy projects, particularly offshore wind farms, with at least two dozen policy and regulatory changes announced since taking office. These efforts are likely to thwart or put many of these projects into limbo, hindering the country's transition to cleaner energy sources. The impact of these actions on the nation's energy landscape is expected to be substantial.

The California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) has approved a set of transmission infrastructure projects to support a 90-MW data center owned by Microsoft. The upgrades will require significant costs, but the commission notes that if the revenue generated from powering the data center is substantial and consistent, it could lead to lower rates for PG&E customers. However, the potential impact on ratepayer costs remains uncertain due to unknowns about the actual revenues.

The article quotes Roman Loosen, senior VP and chief enterprise operations officer at Fluence, stating that in 2025, energy storage transitioned from being "important" to "essential." This implies a significant shift in the industry's perception of energy storage. Loosen's comment suggests that flexibility is becoming increasingly valuable.

The article reports on the rapid emergence of sodium-ion batteries in the energy storage market, with several companies showcasing their advancements in this field. Sodium-ion batteries are gaining attention due to their potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. This development is seen as significant for the global energy transition.

The article discusses the growing importance of solar power in the energy sector, stating that it's the "solar-powered century" and some individuals are struggling to acknowledge its significance. Solar energy is seen as a viable alternative to traditional energy sources, but there is a need for more awareness and adoption. The article implies that it's time for those who haven't yet recognized solar power's importance to catch up.

The article discusses the latest news and developments in the field of sustainable transport and energy, including Tesla's decision to stop selling Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities, efforts to slash Chinese EV tariffs, and advancements in battery technology.

A consortium of four companies, including Abu Dhabi National Energy Company and Emirates Water and Electricity Company, has issued $870.75 million in green bonds to refinance the debt obligations and support the continued operation of the 2 GW Al Dhafra solar power plant in the UAE.

The US government's NASA and Department of Energy (DOE) are collaborating to develop a nuclear reactor for use on the Moon by 2030. This ambitious goal aims to establish a reliable source of energy for future lunar missions, including potential human settlements. The partnership seeks to advance the field of nuclear power in space exploration.

The Rajasthan Solar Park Development Co. Ltd. (RSDCL) has issued a tender for the development of 2,450 MW of solar power projects with battery storage systems in Rajasthan's Bikaner district. The projects will be implemented on a build-own-operate basis and are aimed at supplying solar power to the state's distribution companies. The total capacity has been divided into two lots, with a minimum bid capacity for Lot 1 being 250 MW.

DNV has forecasted a significant increase in energy storage capacity in the MENA region by 2030, with an expected tenfold growth. This growth is part of a larger expansion in renewable energy sources, including solar PV, which is projected to reach 860GW by 2040. The forecast highlights the growing importance of energy storage in supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The UK is increasing its offshore wind energy capabilities despite efforts by former US President Donald Trump to block similar projects. This development highlights the growing acceptance and adoption of renewable energy sources globally. The article suggests that individuals who resist change, such as those opposed to clean energy technologies, can hinder progress but ultimately fail.

Keele University has launched its Green Hydrogen Generation Hub, a pioneering renewable energy storage system that combines wind turbines, solar panels, and electrolyser technology to generate green hydrogen. The hub is designed to produce surplus energy that can be stored and used for various purposes, including powering campus vehicles and lab experiments. This initiative demonstrates Keele's commitment to leading the charge in the transition to a hydrogen-powered future.

South Korea is exploring the use of fuel cell technology to power its AI data centers, which are a critical component of the country's growing semiconductor industry. With compute demand on the rise and reliance on imported electricity, decentralized fuel cell systems could provide a reliable and low-emission solution. Bloom Energy, a company with expertise in fuel cell research, has partnered with AMCHAM Korea to deploy fuel cell technology for AI data centers.

The Texas energy grid has reached a significant milestone, with solar power finally surpassing coal as the primary source of electricity in the state. This shift marks a notable change from just a few years ago, when coal accounted for a substantial portion of the state's energy production. The increase in solar power is indicative of growing momentum towards renewable energy sources.

East Coast Power (ECP) has acquired United Powerline Solutions, a move aimed at bolstering its distribution services capabilities in response to increasing demand due to grid modernization and infrastructure investment. This strategic acquisition is expected to enhance ECP's national electric utility services platform. The deal strengthens ECP's position in the market as it navigates the evolving energy landscape.

The US grid is experiencing its fastest electricity demand growth since the mid-20th century, driven by various factors. Grid Strategies' analysis suggests that utilities and grid operators are struggling to keep up with this surge in demand, posing challenges for reliability, affordability, and long-term planning. The article aims to explore the reasons behind this rapid demand growth and its implications on the grid's future.

The Brazilian Association of Energy Storage Solutions (ABSAE) predicts that energy storage installations in Brazil's commercial and industrial segment will exceed 2 GWh by 2026, with a projected procurement of approximately 8 GWh in the auction scheduled for April. This growth is expected to be driven by increasing demand for energy storage systems, especially in industries such as agribusiness and hospitals. The market is also influenced by regulatory changes, including new regulations around renewable energy.

Nimbus Power Systems and Blue Origin have successfully tested their gravity-agnostic PEM fuel cell stack, which has demonstrated its ability to withstand intense vibrations and pyroshock conditions. The tests mimic the extreme conditions that crewed landers will face on the Moon, providing a crucial validation for NASA's Artemis program. This milestone marks a significant advancement in fuel cell technology and lays out a clear path for scaling up hydrogen infrastructure.